(1) If the aubergines/eggplants are fist-sized or smaller, bake them whole under a preheated grill for 4 minutes each side, or until brown on all sides. If the eggplant/aubergine is large, then cut in half and grill both sides. Lower gently into cold water to cool, then carefully peel off the skin and discard. Chop up, or use a fork to mash the aubergine into a coarse pulp.

(2) Put the oil into a *karahi* or large frying pan, add the whole cumin and garlic, and when the mixture sizzles, add the aubergine pulp, tomatoes, salt, red chilli powder, and turmeric. Stir well, then simmer, covered, on low heat for 10 minutes. If the mixture begins to stick to the bottom, add 2 tablespoons of water and stir.

(3) Add the coriander and cumin, and simmer, covered, for 2 minutes. Finally add the onions, fresh chilies, fresh coriander, and garam masala. Remove from the heat and keep, covered, for 5 minutes before serving.

Serve with chapattis or plain rice.

(from A Taste Of Baltistan, Sabiha Khokhar)